Outstanding cadets honored, Gov. Gibbons presents awards

5/3/2007 7:00:00 AM

On Wednesday May 2, 2007 the University of Nevada, Reno Reserve Officers' Training Corp (ROTC) department of military science honored several distinguished cadets and inducted Mr. Jon Bengston into the ROTC Hall of Fame.

"Congratulations to all Military Science Cadets who have been honored today," said Lt. Col. Maryott. "We extend our sincere appreciation to those individuals and organizations who contributed to the Military Science Department."

Several distinguished guests were present for the ceremony including: Governor Jim Gibbons; University of Nevada, Reno President Milton Glick; Nevada basketball coach Mark Fox; Dr. Ty Cobb; Chuck Fulkerson; and many representatives from local veterans organizations.

"Being here today is a privilege," Gov. Jim Gibbons said. I'm a 1967 graduate who participated in the ROTC program. It feels great that the United States will be under the leadership of these bright, talented and hard-working young people."

In addition to acknowledging the hard work of the cadets, Mr. Jon Bengston was inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame. He is the former Civilian Assistant to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). Ty Cobb, Sr. will now serve in the prestigious CASA position.

As part of Bengston's introduction by Col. Alex Wood, he said that Bengston embodied all of the key leadership characteristics.

"To be a great leader you must know yourself, be yourself and give yourself," said Col Wood. "Jon Bengston has done all of these and it is my pleasure to induct him into the Hall of Fame."

"It is a tremendous honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," said Jon Bengston. "I am humbled by the experience and have a deep respect and give heartfelt thanks to everyone here."

The ROTC program at the University is growing. More than 25 cadets will be sent to Fort Lewis to complete leadership development training this summer. Additionally, more than 10 men have been inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame.

"These Hall of Fame members are the best of the best," said Lt. Col. Maryott. "They are committed to serving their community, University and the US Army with passion and pride."